Mountains can be one of the most awe-inspiring nature experiences in the world .
However beautiful they are, they also expose you to the raw power of nature.
Only a Fool Doesn't Fear the Mountains
Mountains can be one of the most awe-inspiring nature experiences in the world. The overwhelming and majestic size alone is simply breathtaking and amazing. However beautiful they are, they also expose you to the raw power of nature.
Coming from Denmark where you are always close to the ocean, I have grown up with the saying: “Only a fool doesn't fear the ocean”. The same can be said about the mountains. Just like being in the ocean is amazing, it is amazing to be in the mountains – and if you show appropriate respect you will be fine. No guaranties, though. Here is a list of things to be aware of.
AMS (Accute Mountain Sickness)
If you are above 2400 meters, you might experience symptoms of AMS, which is caused by the low oxygen pressure at high altitudes. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, rapid pulse, shortness of breath with exertion. The treatment will be to get down to a lower altitude as quick and safe as possible. Medical treatment might be necessary in severe cases.* In most ski resorts the altitude range means that you will only experience light symptoms and can descend easily to a lower altitude if necessary.
*Source
Acute mountain sickness
The Sun
The snow reflects the sun and the atmosphere is a bit thinner at high altitude. That means the sun will burn you more than you are used to at lower altitudes without snow. Use a powerful sunscreen several times a day if necessary. Don’t forget to use a lip balm with a sun screen for your lips. It hurts so bad to get them sunburned. If the damage has happened – or you just want to get full protection – the solution can be to wear a buff that covers your face completely.
Frost bites
Look for white spots on exposed skin on your friends. It might be the early sign of frost bites. It might get numb or tingles and it gets cold. Get the affected area away from direct exposure to the cold. Cover it gently. Get inside as quick as possible. Gently rewarm the effected area. In more severe cases where the skin turns hard or even black, you should seek immediate medical care.
Changing weather
Always be aware of the weather forecast, but never trust it completely. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and brutally rough with very short notice, so be well prepared, especially if you plan on being far from shelter.
Avalanches
If you ski within the secured area, in most ski areas that means on the groomed slopes, the risk of avalanches is very small. However, if you plan to ski outside the secured area, I recommend that you hire a professional mountain guide. They have the necessary knowledge to make wise choices. But, when you are outside the secured areas there is ALWAYS risk involved.
Know the international system for avalanche risk ranging from 1-5. 5 being the most risky telling you to stay away from the off piste because the snow is severely unstable!
Off Piste
If you go off piste you should bring appropriate security equipment. The minimum equipment is:
- Rescue beacon
- Probe
- Shovel.
The rescue beacon will make it easier for others to find you under the snow and for you to find your friends. The probe is used in the last phase of the search to locate the victim, and the shovel is used to dig him or her out. Even with this equipment, there is no guarantee.
Some people die from being punched into cliffs or trees even before the avalanche stops, and it might take too long to identify and dig the victim out for them to survive. The safe thing is to NOT get in an avalanche in the forst place.
You should practice with the equipment regularly if you ski off-piste to improve your search skills. Here is a link to a video series that describes in details how to rescue a companion buried in an avalanche.
I also recommend an avalanche airbag of you are skiing off piste. An airbag will increase your chances of not being buried, if you are so unfortunate to get caught in an avalanche. The first rule of surviving an avalanche is to not get caught in an avalanche. The second rule is: don’t get buried!
Rocks
If you ski outside of the secured area, rocks can hide under the snow. Be aware of the snow layer and ski in safe distance to visible rocks so you won´t hit them, if you fall.
Trees
Hitting a tree at high speed is of course something you want to avoid. Make sure you look ahead and plan your line, so you keep a safe distance. Never go so fast that you are not able to stop and avoid obstacles with confidence!
Tree wells
Some resorts with huge snow falls during the season also have so called “tree wells”. Here is a great video with free skier Chris Davenport about what you should do if you fall into one.
Dehydration
Drink a lot of water! When skiing at high altitude you lose a lot of fluid for the following reasons:
o The physical exercise of skiing cause you to sweat.
o The low oxygen levels cause you to breathe more rapidly and heavily, which will cause you to lose more fluid through respiration.
o The sun might be fierce
o The air might be dry in the mountains.*
Bring some sort of container with water and hydrate more than you would normally do.
*Source
Water intake at high altitude
https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S0953-9859(93)71181-X/pdf
The mountain rules
If you plan on going into the mountains, you should know some basic rules that will increase your chances of staying safe if something bad or unexpected happens. There are several versions of these rules, but I like the 9 Norwegian ones* which I will put here in the short version. Below you will find a link to a more thorough description.
- Plan your trip and inform others
about the route you have selected. - Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
- Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
- Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
- Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
- Choose safe routes.
- Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
- Use a map and a compass.
- Always know where you are.
- Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
- Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.
*Source
https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/safety-first/mountain-safety/the-mountain-code/
People
The biggest threat for your safety on a ski slope often times won’t be nature. It will be other people on skis. Read my article Rules for conduct of skiing and tips for safety on skis.
I really hope you will enjoy your time in the mountain on skis! Just remember to show proper respect for the immense power of nature and you’ll increase your chances of an awesome and safe time in the mountains!
/Janus Hecht
